Commonwealth Games budget doubled

New Delhi: The Commonwealth Games have got so much flak so far that it seems to have spooked even the government. They've decided not to take any chances and double the budget, which means that the Games will be costing us, the taxpayer, Rs 1,620 crore.

And with this, the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever have become even more expensive. Initially, the Games organising committee had a budget of Rs 767 crore.

Now, the amount has been more than doubled barely weeks after the public bickering by the organising committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation amid concerns that the venues may not be ready on time.

"It was felt important to increase the budget because of the inclusion of new items for the successful delivery of the games," said Information and Broadcast Minister Ambica Soni.

The Centre is taking no chances, especially since the successful completion of the Games have now become a prestige issue. There have been concern over delays in construction of several venues and also security of the games to be held in October next year. Sources say the additional money will be spent on:

• Technology: Rs 185-200 crore
• Opening and closing ceremonies: Rs 106 crore
• Risk Management: Rs 40 crore
• Workforce, and volunteers: Rs 56 crore
  

Over the past couple of months, the Delhi games have been in the news for the wrong reasons. No surprise then that an estimated Rs 87 crore of this budget will also be spent on communications and the image of the games.

Rs 80,000 crore are being spent to build new expressways and stadiums for the 8000-odd athletes and one lakh international visitors expected in the capital next year, and while all the stops have been pulled out, a lot is riding on the timely completion of the venues.